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Charlestin V, Tan E, Arias-Matus CE, Wu J, Miranda-Vergara MC, Lee M, Wang M, Nannapaneni DT, Tennakoon P, Blagg BSJ, Ashfeld BL, Kaliney W, Li J, Littlepage LE. Evaluation of the Mammalian Aquaporin Inhibitors Auphen and Z433927330 in Treating Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2714. [PMID: 39123442 PMCID: PMC11311482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
AQPs contribute to breast cancer progression and metastasis. We previously found that genetic inhibition of Aqp7 reduces primary tumor burden and metastasis in breast cancer. In this study, we utilized two AQP inhibitors, Auphen and Z433927330, to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic inhibition of AQPs in breast cancer treatment. The inhibitors were evaluated in breast cancer for both cytotoxicity and metabolic stability assays across both murine and human breast cancer cell lines. Both AQP inhibitors also affected the expression of other AQP transcripts and proteins, which demonstrates compensatory regulation between AQP family members. As a single agent, Auphen treatment in vivo extended overall survival but did not impact primary or metastatic tumor burden. However, Auphen treatment made cells more responsive to chemotherapy (doxorubicin) or endocrine treatment (tamoxifen, fulvestrant). In fact, treatment with Tamoxifen reduced overall AQP7 protein expression. RNA-seq of breast cancer cells treated with Auphen identified mitochondrial metabolism genes as impacted by Auphen and may contribute to reducing mammary tumor progression, lung metastasis, and increased therapeutic efficacy of endocrine therapy in breast cancer. Interestingly, we found that Auphen and tamoxifen cooperate to reduce breast cancer cell viability, which suggests that Auphen treatment makes the cells more susceptible to Tamoxifen. Together, this study highlights AQPs as therapeutic vulnerabilities of breast cancer metastasis that are promising and should be exploited. However, the pharmacologic results suggest additional chemical refinements and optimization of AQP inhibition are needed to make these AQP inhibitors appropriate to use for therapeutic benefit in overcoming endocrine therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verodia Charlestin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Elijah Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Arias-Matus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Junmin Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Maria Cristina Miranda-Vergara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
- Biotechnology Department, Life and Health Sciences Deanship, Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP University), 13 Poniente No. 1927, Barrio de Santiago, Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Mijoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Dharma T. Nannapaneni
- Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Parinda Tennakoon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Brian S. J. Blagg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brandon L. Ashfeld
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - William Kaliney
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
| | - Jun Li
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Laurie E. Littlepage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (V.C.); (P.T.); (B.S.J.B.); (B.L.A.)
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA (J.L.)
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Mom R, Mocquet V, Auguin D, Réty S. Aquaporin Modulation by Cations, a Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7955-7975. [PMID: 39194687 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels initially discovered for their role in water flux facilitation through biological membranes. Over the years, a much more complex and subtle picture of these channels appeared, highlighting many other solutes accommodated by AQPs and a dense regulatory network finely tuning cell membranes' water permeability. At the intersection between several transduction pathways (e.g., cell volume regulation, calcium signaling, potassium cycling, etc.), this wide and ancient protein family is considered an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment and many other pathophysiologies. However, a precise and isoform-specific modulation of these channels function is still challenging. Among the modulators of AQPs functions, cations have been shown to play a significant contribution, starting with mercury being historically associated with the inhibition of AQPs since their discovery. While the comprehension of AQPs modulation by cations has improved, a unifying molecular mechanism integrating all current knowledge is still lacking. In an effort to extract general trends, we reviewed all known modulations of AQPs by cations to capture a first glimpse of this regulatory network. We paid particular attention to the associated molecular mechanisms and pinpointed the residues involved in cation binding and in conformational changes tied up to the modulation of the channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Mom
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Mocquet
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Daniel Auguin
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Ecologie et Environnement (P2E), UPRES EA 1207/USC INRAE-1328, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université d'Orléans, F-45067 Orléans, France
| | - Stéphane Réty
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364 Lyon, France
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3
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Banerjee S, Smith IM, Hengen AC, Stroka KM. Methods for studying mammalian aquaporin biology. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad031. [PMID: 38046463 PMCID: PMC10689382 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), transmembrane water-conducting channels, have earned a great deal of scrutiny for their critical physiological roles in healthy and disease cell states, especially in the biomedical field. Numerous methods have been implemented to elucidate the involvement of AQP-mediated water transport and downstream signaling activation in eliciting whole cell, tissue, and organ functional responses. To modulate these responses, other methods have been employed to investigate AQP druggability. This review discusses standard in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods for studying AQPs, especially for biomedical and mammalian cell biology applications. We also propose some new techniques and approaches for future AQP research to address current gaps in methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohini Banerjee
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, MD 20742, United States
| | - Ian M Smith
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, MD 20742, United States
| | - Autumn C Hengen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, MD 20742, United States
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, MD 20742, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore MD 21201, United States
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, MD 20742, United States
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore MD 21201, United States
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da Silva IV, Soveral G. Aquaporins in Obesity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:289-302. [PMID: 36717502 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the most important metabolic disorders of this century and is associated with a cluster of the most dangerous cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as insulin resistance and diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, collectively named Metabolic Syndrome. The role of aquaporins (AQP) in glycerol metabolism facilitating glycerol release from the adipose tissue and distribution to various tissues and organs unveils these membrane channels as important players in lipid balance and energy homeostasis and points to their involvement in a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms including insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. This review summarizes the physiologic role of aquaglyceroporins in glycerol metabolism and lipid homeostasis, describing their specific tissue distribution, involvement in glycerol balance, and implication in obesity and fat-related metabolic complications. The development of specify pharmacologic modulators able to regulate aquaglyceroporins expression and function, in particular AQP7 in adipose tissue, might constitute a novel approach for controlling obesity and other metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês V da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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5
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Charlestin V, Fulkerson D, Arias Matus CE, Walker ZT, Carthy K, Littlepage LE. Aquaporins: New players in breast cancer progression and treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988119. [PMID: 36212456 PMCID: PMC9532844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small transmembrane proteins that selectively transport water and other small molecules and ions following an osmotic gradient across cell plasma membranes. This enables them to regulate numerous functions including water homeostasis, fat metabolism, proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Previous structural and functional studies highlight a strong biological relationship between AQP protein expression, localization, and key biological functions in normal and cancer tissues, where aberrant AQP expression correlates with tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the roles of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, and AQP7 in breast cancer progression and metastasis, including the role of AQPs in the tumor microenvironment, to highlight potential contributions of stromal-derived to epithelial-derived AQPs to breast cancer. Emerging evidence identifies AQPs as predictors of response to cancer therapy and as targets for increasing their sensitivity to treatment. However, these studies have not evaluated the requirements for protein structure on AQP function within the context of breast cancer. We also examine how AQPs contribute to a patient's response to cancer treatment, existing AQP inhibitors and how AQPs could serve as novel predictive biomarkers of therapy response in breast cancer. Future studies also should evaluate AQP redundancy and compensation as mechanisms used to overcome aberrant AQP function. This review highlights the need for additional research into how AQPs contribute molecularly to therapeutic resistance and by altering the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verodia Charlestin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Daniel Fulkerson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Carlos E. Arias Matus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Zachary T. Walker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Carthy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Laurie E. Littlepage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
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Pimpão C, Wragg D, da Silva IV, Casini A, Soveral G. Aquaglyceroporin Modulators as Emergent Pharmacological Molecules for Human Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:845237. [PMID: 35187089 PMCID: PMC8850838 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.845237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins, a sub-class of aquaporins that facilitate the diffusion of water, glycerol and other small uncharged solutes across cell membranes, have been recognized for their important role in human physiology and their involvement in multiple disorders, mostly related to disturbed energy homeostasis. Aquaglyceroporins dysfunction in a variety of pathological conditions highlighted their targeting as novel therapeutic strategies, boosting the search for potent and selective modulators with pharmacological properties. The identification of selective inhibitors with potential clinical applications has been challenging, relying on accurate assays to measure membrane glycerol permeability and validate effective functional blockers. Additionally, biologicals such as hormones and natural compounds have been revealed as alternative strategies to modulate aquaglyceroporins via their gene and protein expression. This review summarizes the current knowledge of aquaglyceroporins’ involvement in several pathologies and the experimental approaches used to evaluate glycerol permeability and aquaglyceroporin modulation. In addition, we provide an update on aquaglyceroporins modulators reported to impact disease, unveiling aquaglyceroporin pharmacological targeting as a promising approach for innovative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Pimpão
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Darren Wragg
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Inês V. da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Angela Casini
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Angela Casini, ; Graça Soveral,
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Angela Casini, ; Graça Soveral,
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Pimpão C, Wragg D, Bonsignore R, Aikman B, Pedersen PA, Leoni S, Soveral G, Casini A. Mechanisms of irreversible aquaporin-10 inhibition by organogold compounds studied by combined biophysical methods and atomistic simulations. Metallomics 2021; 13:6360981. [PMID: 34468767 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of glycerol permeation via human aquaporin-10 (hAQP10) by organometallic gold complexes has been studied by stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy, and its mechanism has been described using molecular modelling and atomistic simulations. The most effective hAQP10 inhibitors are cyclometalated Au(III) C^N compounds known to efficiently react with cysteine residues leading to the formation of irreversible C-S bonds. Functional assays also demonstrate the irreversibility of the binding to hAQP10 by the organometallic complexes. The obtained computational results by metadynamics show that the local arylation of Cys209 in hAQP10 by one of the gold inhibitors is mapped into a global change of the overall free energy of glycerol translocation across the channel. Our study further pinpoints the need to understand the mechanism of glycerol and small molecule permeation as a combination of local structural motifs and global pore conformational changes, which are taking place on the scale of the translocation process and whose study, therefore, require sophisticated molecular dynamics strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Pimpão
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Darren Wragg
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Riccardo Bonsignore
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Brech Aikman
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Stefano Leoni
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Angela Casini
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
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Tardelli M, Stulnig TM. Aquaporin regulation in metabolic organs. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 112:71-93. [PMID: 32061350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small trans-membrane proteins, which facilitate shuttling of glycerol, water and urea. The peculiar role of AQPs in glycerol transport makes them attractive targets in metabolic organs since glycerol represents the backbone of triglyceride synthesis. Importantly, AQPs are known to be regulated by various nuclear receptors which in turn govern lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammatory cascades. Here, we review the role of AQPs regulation in metabolic organs exploring their physiological impact in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tardelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Cornell Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States; Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas M Stulnig
- Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Azad AK, Raihan T, Ahmed J, Hakim A, Emon TH, Chowdhury PA. Human Aquaporins: Functional Diversity and Potential Roles in Infectious and Non-infectious Diseases. Front Genet 2021; 12:654865. [PMID: 33796134 PMCID: PMC8007926 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.654865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins and found in all living organisms from bacteria to human. AQPs mainly involved in the transmembrane diffusion of water as well as various small solutes in a bidirectional manner are widely distributed in various human tissues. Human contains 13 AQPs (AQP0-AQP12) which are divided into three sub-classes namely orthodox aquaporin (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8), aquaglyceroporin (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and super or unorthodox aquaporin (AQP11 and 12) based on their pore selectivity. Human AQPs are functionally diverse, which are involved in wide variety of non-infectious diseases including cancer, renal dysfunction, neurological disorder, epilepsy, skin disease, metabolic syndrome, and even cardiac diseases. However, the association of AQPs with infectious diseases has not been fully evaluated. Several studies have unveiled that AQPs can be regulated by microbial and parasitic infections that suggest their involvement in microbial pathogenesis, inflammation-associated responses and AQP-mediated cell water homeostasis. This review mainly aims to shed light on the involvement of AQPs in infectious and non-infectious diseases and potential AQPs-target modulators. Furthermore, AQP structures, tissue-specific distributions and their physiological relevance, functional diversity and regulations have been discussed. Altogether, this review would be useful for further investigation of AQPs as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of infectious as well as non-infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Kalam Azad
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Topu Raihan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Jahed Ahmed
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Al Hakim
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Hossain Emon
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Calamita G, Delporte C. Involvement of aquaglyceroporins in energy metabolism in health and disease. Biochimie 2021; 188:20-34. [PMID: 33689852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins are a group of the aquaporin (AQP) family of transmembrane water channels. While AQPs facilitate the passage of water, small solutes, and gases across biological membranes, aquaglyceroporins allow passage of water, glycerol, urea and some other solutes. Thanks to their glycerol permeability, aquaglyceroporins are involved in energy homeostasis. This review provides an overview of what is currently known concerning the functional implication and control of aquaglyceroporins in tissues involved in energy metabolism, i.e. liver, adipose tissue and endocrine pancreas. The expression, role and (dys)regulation of aquaglyceroporins in disorders affecting energy metabolism, and the potential relevance of aquaglyceroporins as drug targets to treat the alterations of the energy balance is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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da Silva IV, Soveral G. Aquaporins in Immune Cells and Inflammation: New Targets for Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041845. [PMID: 33673336 PMCID: PMC7917738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian immune system senses foreign antigens by mechanisms that involve the interplay of various kinds of immune cells, culminating in inflammation resolution and tissue clearance. The ability of the immune cells to communicate (via chemokines) and to shift shape for migration, phagocytosis or antigen uptake is mainly supported by critical proteins such as aquaporins (AQPs) that regulate water fluid homeostasis and volume changes. AQPs are protein channels that facilitate water and small uncharged molecules’ (such as glycerol or hydrogen peroxide) diffusion through membranes. A number of AQP isoforms were found upregulated in inflammatory conditions and are considered essential for the migration and survival of immune cells. The present review updates information on AQPs’ involvement in immunity and inflammatory processes, highlighting their role as crucial players and promising targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês V. da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217946461
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12
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Kaur G, Javed W, Ponomarenko O, Shekh K, Swanlund DP, Zhou JR, Summers KL, Casini A, Wenzel MN, Casey JR, Cordat E, Pickering IJ, George GN, Leslie EM. Human red blood cell uptake and sequestration of arsenite and selenite: Evidence of seleno-bis(S-glutathionyl) arsinium ion formation in human cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114141. [PMID: 32652143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Over 200 million people worldwide are exposed to the human carcinogen, arsenic, in contaminated drinking water. In laboratory animals, arsenic and the essential trace element, selenium, can undergo mutual detoxification through the formation of the seleno-bis(S-glutathionyl) arsinium ion [(GS)2AsSe]-, which undergoes biliary and fecal elimination. [(GS)2AsSe]-, formed in animal red blood cells (RBCs), sequesters arsenic and selenium, and slows the distribution of both compounds to peripheral tissues susceptible to toxic effects. In human RBCs, the influence of arsenic on selenium accumulation, and vice versa, is largely unknown. The study aims were to characterize arsenite (AsIII) and selenite (SeIV) uptake by human RBCs, to determine if SeIV and AsIII increase the respective accumulation of the other in human RBCs, and ultimately to determine if this occurs through the formation and sequestration of [(GS)2AsSe]-. 75SeIV accumulation was temperature and Cl--dependent, inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (H2DIDS) (IC50 1 ± 0.2 µM), and approached saturation at 30 µM, suggesting uptake is mediated by the erythrocyte anion-exchanger 1 (AE1 or Band 3, gene SLC4A1). HEK293 cells overexpressing AE1 showed concentration-dependent 75SeIV uptake. 73AsIII uptake by human RBCs was temperature-dependent, partly reduced by aquaglyceroporin 3 inhibitors, and not saturated. AsIII increased 75SeIV accumulation (in the presence of albumin) and SeIV increased 73AsIII accumulation in human RBCs. Near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed the formation of [(GS)2AsSe]- in human RBCs exposed to both AsIII and SeIV. The sequestration of [(GS)2AsSe]- in human RBCs potentially slows arsenic distribution to susceptible tissues and could reduce arsenic-induced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurnit Kaur
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Canada; Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Warda Javed
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Olena Ponomarenko
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Kamran Shekh
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Diane P Swanlund
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Janet R Zhou
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Canada; Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly L Summers
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Angela Casini
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, UK; Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | | | - Joseph R Casey
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Cordat
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Ingrid J Pickering
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Graham N George
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Elaine M Leslie
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Canada; Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Canada.
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13
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Wang X, Yang J, Yao Y, Shi X, Yang G, Li X. AQP3 Facilitates Proliferation and Adipogenic Differentiation of Porcine Intramuscular Adipocytes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040453. [PMID: 32331274 PMCID: PMC7230797 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The meat quality of animal products is closely related to the intramuscular fat content. Aquaglyceroporin (AQP) defines a class of water/glycerol channels that primarily facilitate the passive transport of glycerol and water across biological membranes. In this study, the AQP3 protein of the AQP family was mainly studied in the adipogenic function of intramuscular adipocytes in pigs. Here, we found that AQP3 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels upon adipogenic stimuli in porcine intramuscular adipocytes in vitro. Western blot results showed knockdown of AQP3 by siRNA significantly suppressed the expression of adipogenic genes (PPARγ, aP2, etc.), repressed Akt phosphorylation, as well as reducing lipid accumulation. Furthermore, deletion of AQP3 by siRNA significantly downregulated expression of cell cycle genes (cyclin D, E), and decreased the number of EdU-positive cells as well as cell viability. Collectively, our data indicate that AQP3 is of great importance in both adipogenic differentiation and proliferation in intramuscular adipocytes, providing a potential target for modulating fat infiltration in skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao Li
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-29-870-81531
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14
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Abir-Awan M, Kitchen P, Salman MM, Conner MT, Conner AC, Bill RM. Inhibitors of Mammalian Aquaporin Water Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071589. [PMID: 30934923 PMCID: PMC6480248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that are essential to life, being expressed in all kingdoms. In humans, there are 13 AQPs, at least one of which is found in every organ system. The structural biology of the AQP family is well-established and many functions for AQPs have been reported in health and disease. AQP expression is linked to numerous pathologies including tumor metastasis, fluid dysregulation, and traumatic injury. The targeted modulation of AQPs therefore presents an opportunity to develop novel treatments for diverse conditions. Various techniques such as video microscopy, light scattering and fluorescence quenching have been used to test putative AQP inhibitors in both AQP-expressing mammalian cells and heterologous expression systems. The inherent variability within these methods has caused discrepancy and many molecules that are inhibitory in one experimental system (such as tetraethylammonium, acetazolamide, and anti-epileptic drugs) have no activity in others. Some heavy metal ions (that would not be suitable for therapeutic use) and the compound, TGN-020, have been shown to inhibit some AQPs. Clinical trials for neuromyelitis optica treatments using anti-AQP4 IgG are in progress. However, these antibodies have no effect on water transport. More research to standardize high-throughput assays is required to identify AQP modulators for which there is an urgent and unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abir-Awan
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Philip Kitchen
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Matthew T Conner
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
| | - Alex C Conner
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
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15
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Sonntag Y, Gena P, Maggio A, Singh T, Artner I, Oklinski MK, Johanson U, Kjellbom P, Nieland JD, Nielsen S, Calamita G, Rützler M. Identification and characterization of potent and selective aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-7 inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7377-7387. [PMID: 30862673 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aquaglyceroporins are a subfamily of aquaporins that conduct both water and glycerol. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) has an important physiological function in renal water reabsorption, and AQP3-mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) permeability can enhance cytokine signaling in several cell types. The related aquaglyceroporin AQP7 is required for dendritic cell chemokine responses and antigen uptake. Selective small-molecule inhibitors are desirable tools for investigating the biological and pathological roles of these and other AQP isoforms. Here, using a calcein fluorescence quenching assay, we screened a library of 7360 drug-like small molecules for inhibition of mouse AQP3 water permeability. Hit confirmation and expansion with commercially available substances identified the ortho-chloride-containing compound DFP00173, which inhibited mouse and human AQP3 with an IC50 of ∼0.1-0.4 μm but had low efficacy toward mouse AQP7 and AQP9. Surprisingly, inhibitor specificity testing revealed that the methylurea-linked compound Z433927330, a partial AQP3 inhibitor (IC50, ∼0.7-0.9 μm), is a potent and efficacious inhibitor of mouse AQP7 water permeability (IC50, ∼0.2 μm). Stopped-flow light scattering measurements confirmed that DFP00173 and Z433927330 inhibit AQP3 glycerol permeability in human erythrocytes. Moreover, DFP00173, Z433927330, and the previously identified AQP9 inhibitor RF03176 blocked aquaglyceroporin H2O2 permeability. Molecular docking to AQP3, AQP7, and AQP9 homology models suggested interactions between these inhibitors and aquaglyceroporins at similar binding sites. DFP00173 and Z433927330 constitute selective and potent AQP3 and AQP7 inhibitors, respectively, and contribute to a set of isoform-specific aquaglyceroporin inhibitors that will facilitate the evaluation of these AQP isoforms as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonathan Sonntag
- From the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrizia Gena
- the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Maggio
- the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Tania Singh
- the Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden, and
| | - Isabella Artner
- the Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden, and
| | - Michal K Oklinski
- the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Urban Johanson
- From the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Kjellbom
- From the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - John Dirk Nieland
- the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Nielsen
- the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Michael Rützler
- the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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Aikman B, de Almeida A, Meier-Menches SM, Casini A. Aquaporins in cancer development: opportunities for bioinorganic chemistry to contribute novel chemical probes and therapeutic agents. Metallomics 2019; 10:696-712. [PMID: 29766198 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00072g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins allowing permeation of water, glycerol & hydrogen peroxide across biomembranes, and playing an important role in water homeostasis in different organs, exocrine gland secretion, urine concentration, skin moisturization, fat metabolism and neural signal transduction. Notably, a large number of studies showed that AQPs are closely associated with cancer biological functions and expressed in more than 20 human cancer cell types. Furthermore, AQP expression is positively correlated with tumour types, grades, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, as well as tumour-associated oedema, rendering these membrane channels attractive as both diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer. Recent developments in the field of AQPs modulation have identified coordination metal-based complexes as potent and selective inhibitors of aquaglyceroporins, opening new avenues in the application of inorganic compounds in medicine and chemical biology. The present review is aimed at providing an overview on AQP structure and function, mainly in relation to cancer. In this context, the exploration of coordination metal compounds as possible inhibitors of aquaporins may open the way to novel chemical approaches to study AQP roles in tumour growth and potentially to new drug families. Thus, we describe recent results in the field and reflect upon the potential of inorganic chemistry in providing compounds to modulate the activity of "elusive" membrane targets as the aquaporins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brech Aikman
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
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17
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Wenzel MN, Mósca AF, Graziani V, Aikman B, Thomas SR, de Almeida A, Platts JA, Re N, Coletti C, Marrone A, Soveral G, Casini A. Insights into the Mechanisms of Aquaporin-3 Inhibition by Gold(III) Complexes: the Importance of Non-Coordinative Adduct Formation. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:2140-2148. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b03233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margot N. Wenzel
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Andreia F. Mósca
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Valentina Graziani
- Università“G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Brech Aikman
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie R. Thomas
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Andreia de Almeida
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Tumour Microenvironment Group, Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Tenovus Building, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Platts
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Università“G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Università“G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Università“G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara, Department of Pharmacy, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Angela Casini
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
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18
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Molecular Basis of Aquaporin-7 Permeability Regulation by pH. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110207. [PMID: 30423801 PMCID: PMC6262577 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aquaglyceroporin AQP7, a family member of aquaporin membrane channels, facilitates the permeation of water and glycerol through cell membranes and is crucial for body lipid and energy homeostasis. Regulation of glycerol permeability via AQP7 is considered a promising therapeutic strategy towards fat-related metabolic complications. Here, we used a yeast aqy-null strain for heterologous expression and functional analysis of human AQP7 and investigated its regulation by pH. Using a combination of in vitro and in silico approaches, we found that AQP7 changes from fully permeable to virtually closed at acidic pH, and that Tyr135 and His165 facing the extracellular environment are crucial residues for channel permeability. Moreover, instead of reducing the pore size, the protonation of key residues changes AQP7’s protein surface electrostatic charges, which, in turn, may decrease glycerol’s binding affinity to the pore, resulting in decreased permeability. In addition, since some pH-sensitive residues are located at the monomer-monomer interface, decreased permeability may result from cooperativity between AQP7’s monomers. Considering the importance of glycerol permeation via AQP7 in multiple pathophysiological conditions, this mechanism of hAQP7 pH-regulation may help the design of selective modulators targeting aquaglyceroporin-related disorders.
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19
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Calamita G, Perret J, Delporte C. Aquaglyceroporins: Drug Targets for Metabolic Diseases? Front Physiol 2018; 9:851. [PMID: 30042691 PMCID: PMC6048697 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins facilitating the transport of water, small solutes, and gasses across biological membranes. AQPs are expressed in all tissues and ensure multiple roles under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Aquaglyceroporins are a subfamily of AQPs permeable to glycerol in addition to water and participate thereby to energy metabolism. This review focalizes on the present knowledge of the expression, regulation and physiological roles of AQPs in adipose tissue, liver and endocrine pancreas, that are involved in energy metabolism. In addition, the review aims at summarizing the involvement of AQPs in metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and liver diseases. Finally, challenges and recent advances related to pharmacological modulation of AQPs expression and function to control and treat metabolic diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jason Perret
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Bertrand B, Williams MRM, Bochmann M. Gold(III) Complexes for Antitumor Applications: An Overview. Chemistry 2018; 24:11840-11851. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Bertrand
- School of ChemistryUniversity of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ United Kingdom
- Sorbonne UniversitésUPMC Univ Paris 06CNRSInstitut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM) 4 Place Jussieu 75005 Paris France
| | | | - Manfred Bochmann
- School of ChemistryUniversity of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ United Kingdom
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21
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Posfai D, Sylvester K, Reddy A, Ganley JG, Wirth J, Cullen QE, Dave T, Kato N, Dave SS, Derbyshire ER. Plasmodium parasite exploits host aquaporin-3 during liver stage malaria infection. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007057. [PMID: 29775485 PMCID: PMC5979039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the liver a single Plasmodium parasite transforms into thousands of blood-infective forms to cause malaria. Here, we use RNA-sequencing to identify host genes that are upregulated upon Plasmodium berghei infection of hepatocytes with the hypothesis that host pathways are hijacked to benefit parasite development. We found that expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP3), a water and glycerol channel, is significantly induced in Plasmodium-infected hepatocytes compared to uninfected cells. This aquaglyceroporin localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, the compartmental interface between the host and pathogen, with a temporal pattern that correlates with the parasite’s expansion in the liver. Depletion or elimination of host AQP3 expression significantly reduces P. berghei parasite burden during the liver stage and chemical disruption by a known AQP3 inhibitor, auphen, reduces P. falciparum asexual blood stage and P. berghei liver stage parasite load. Further use of this inhibitor as a chemical probe suggests that AQP3-mediated nutrient transport is an important function for parasite development. This study reveals a previously unknown potential route for host-dependent nutrient acquisition by Plasmodium which was discovered by mapping the transcriptional changes that occur in hepatocytes throughout P. berghei infection. The dataset reported may be leveraged to identify additional host factors that are essential for Plasmodium liver stage infection and highlights Plasmodium’s dependence on host factors within hepatocytes. Plasmodium parasites undergo an obligatory morphogenesis and replication within the liver before they invade red blood cells and cause malaria. The liver stage is clinically silent but essential for the Plasmodium parasite to complete its life cycle. During this time, the parasite relies on the host cell to support a massive replication event, yet host factors that are critical to this expansion are largely unknown. We identify human aquaporin-3 (AQP3), a water and glycerol channel, as essential for the proper development of the parasite within the liver cell. AQP3 localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, the interface between the host cytoplasm and the parasite, possibly aiding in the nutritional uptake for the parasite. Genetic disruption or treatment with the AQP3 inhibitor auphen, reduces parasite load in liver and blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Posfai
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kayla Sylvester
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anupama Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jack G. Ganley
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Johannes Wirth
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Quinlan E. Cullen
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tushar Dave
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nobutaka Kato
- The Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandeep S. Dave
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Derbyshire
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Huang KB, Wang FY, Tang XM, Feng HW, Chen ZF, Liu YC, Liu YN, Liang H. Organometallic Gold(III) Complexes Similar to Tetrahydroisoquinoline Induce ER-Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Pro-Death Autophagy in A549 Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2018; 61:3478-3490. [PMID: 29606001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Agents inducing both apoptosis and autophagic death can be effective chemotherapeutic drugs. In our present work, we synthesized two organometallic gold(III) complexes harboring C^N ligands that structurally resemble tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ): Cyc-Au-1 (AuL1Cl2, L1 = 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine) and Cyc-Au-2 (AuL2Cl2, L2 = methylenedioxyphenethylamine). In screening their in vitro activity, we found both gold complexes exhibited lower toxicity, lower resistance factors, and better anticancer activity than those of cisplatin. The organometallic gold(III) complexes accumulate in mitochondria and induce elevated ROS and an ER stress response through mitochondrial dysfunction. These effects ultimately result in simultaneous apoptosis and autophagy. Importantly, compared to cisplatin, Cyc-Au-2 exhibits lower toxicity and better anticancer activity in a murine tumor model. To the best of our knowledge, Cyc-Au-2 is the first organometallic Au(III) compound that induces apoptosis and autophagic death. On the basis of our results, we believe Cyc-Au-2 to be a promising anticancer agent or lead compound for further anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Bin Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Feng-Yang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Hai-Wen Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Yan-Cheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - You-Nian Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
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23
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Méndez-Giménez L, Ezquerro S, da Silva IV, Soveral G, Frühbeck G, Rodríguez A. Pancreatic Aquaporin-7: A Novel Target for Anti-diabetic Drugs? Front Chem 2018; 6:99. [PMID: 29675407 PMCID: PMC5895657 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins comprise a family of 13 members of water channels (AQP0-12) that facilitate a rapid transport of water across cell membranes. In some cases, these pores are also permeated by small solutes, particularly glycerol, urea or nitric oxide, among other solutes. Several aquaporins have been identified in the pancreas, an exocrine and endocrine organ that plays an essential role in the onset of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The exocrine pancreas, which accounts for 90% of the total pancreas, secretes daily large volumes of a near-isotonic fluid containing digestive enzymes into the duodenum. AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 contribute to fluid secretion especially from ductal cells, whereas AQP12 allows the proper maturation and exocytosis of secretory granules in acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. The endocrine pancreas (10% of the total pancreatic cells) is composed by the islets of Langerhans, which are distributed in α, β, δ, ε, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells that secrete glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, ghrelin and PP, respectively. AQP7, an aquaglyceroporin permeated by water and glycerol, is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and murine studies have confirmed its participation in insulin secretion, triacylglycerol synthesis and proliferation of these endocrine cells. In this regard, transgenic AQP7-knockout mice develop adult-onset obesity, hyperinsulinemia, increased intracellular triacylglycerol content and reduced β-cell mass in Langerhans islets. Moreover, we have recently reported that AQP7 upregulation in β-cells after bariatric surgery, an effective weight loss surgical procedure, contributes, in part, to the improvement of pancreatic steatosis and insulin secretion through the increase of intracytoplasmic glycerol in obese rats. Human studies remain scarce and controversial, with some rare cases of loss-of function mutations of the AQP7 gene being associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. The present Review is focused on the role of aquaporins in the physiology and pathophysiology of the pancreas, highlighting the role of pancreatic AQP7 as a novel player in the control of β-cell function and a potential anti-diabetic-drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Méndez-Giménez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ezquerro
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inês V da Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaia Rodríguez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Iena FM, Lebeck J. Implications of Aquaglyceroporin 7 in Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010154. [PMID: 29300344 PMCID: PMC5796103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aquaglyceroporin AQP7 is a pore-forming transmembrane protein that facilitates the transport of glycerol across cell membranes. Glycerol is utilized both in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is primarily stored in white adipose tissue as part of the triglyceride molecules. During states with increased lipolysis, such as fasting and diabetes, glycerol is released from adipose tissue and metabolized in other tissues. AQP7 is expressed in adipose tissue where it facilitates the efflux of glycerol, and AQP7 deficiency has been linked to increased glycerol kinase activity and triglyceride accumulation in adipose tissue, leading to obesity and secondary development of insulin resistance. However, AQP7 is also expressed in a wide range of other tissues, including kidney, muscle, pancreatic β-cells and liver, where AQP7 also holds the potential to influence whole body energy metabolism. The aim of the review is to summarize the current knowledge on AQP7 in adipose tissue, as well as AQP7 expressed in other tissues where AQP7 might play a significant role in modulating whole body energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maria Iena
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Janne Lebeck
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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Bertrand B, Fernandez-Cestau J, Angulo J, Cominetti MMD, Waller ZAE, Searcey M, O'Connell MA, Bochmann M. Cytotoxicity of Pyrazine-Based Cyclometalated (C^N pz^C)Au(III) Carbene Complexes: Impact of the Nature of the Ancillary Ligand on the Biological Properties. Inorg Chem 2017; 56:5728-5740. [PMID: 28441013 PMCID: PMC5434479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
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The synthesis of a series of cyclometalated gold(III) complexes
supported by pyrazine-based (C^N^C)-type pincer ligands is reported,
including the crystal structure of a cationic example. The compounds
provide a new platform for the study of antiproliferative properties
of gold(III) complexes. Seven complexes were tested: the neutral series
(C^Npz^C)AuX [X = Cl (1), 6-thioguanine (4), C≡CPh (5), SPh (6)] and
an ionic series that included the N-methyl complex
[(C^NpzMe^C)AuCl]BF4 (7) and the
N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [(C^Npz^C)AuL]+ with L = 1,3-dimethylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene (2) or
1,3,7,9-tetramethylxanthin-8-ylidene (3). Tests against
human leukemia cells identified 1, 2, 3, and 4 as particularly promising, whereas protecting
the noncoordinated N atom on the pyrazine ring by methylation (as
in 7) reduced the cytotoxicity. Complex 2 proved to be the most effective of the entire series against the
HL60 leukemia, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cell lines,
with IC50 values down to submicromolar levels, associated
with a lower toxicity toward healthy human lung fibroblast cells.
The benzimidazolylidene complex 2 accumulated more effectively
in human lung cancer cells than its caffeine-based analogue 3 and the gold(III) chloride 1. Compound 2 proved to be unaffected by glutathione under physiological
conditions for periods of up to 6 days and stabilizes the DNA G-quadruplex
and i-motif structures; the latter is the first such report for gold
compounds. We also show the first evidence of inhibition of MDM2–p53
protein–protein interactions by a gold-based compound and identified
the binding mode of the compound with MDM2 using saturation transfer
difference NMR spectroscopy combined with docking calculations. We synthesized
three new (C^Npz^C)Au(III) complexes and screened them
along with four other complexes as potential anticancer agents against
leukemia cells. We tested the cellular uptake, the interaction with
G4 and i-motif DNA structures, and the interaction with MDM2 protein.
We highlight the very different biological behaviors of the compounds
due to the different ancillary ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Bertrand
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jesus Angulo
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marco M D Cominetti
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Zoë A E Waller
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Searcey
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A O'Connell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Bochmann
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Obesity is one of the most important metabolic disorders of this century and is associated with a cluster of the most dangerous cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as insulin resistance and diabetes , dyslipidemia and hypertension , collectively named Metabolic Syndrome. The role of aquaporins in glycerol metabolism facilitating glycerol release from the adipose tissue and distribution to various tissues and organs, unveils these membrane channels as important players in lipid balance and energy homeostasis and points to their involvement in a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms including insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes.This review summarizes the physiologic role of aquaglyceroporins in glycerol metabolism and lipid homeostasis, describing their specific tissue distribution, their involvement in glycerol balance and their implication in obesity and fat-related metabolic complications. The development of specify pharmacologic modulators able to regulate aquaglyceroporins expression and function , in particular AQP7 in adipose tissue, might constitute a novel approach for controlling obesity and other metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Vieira da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-003, Portugal
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-003, Portugal.
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Involvement of JNK/NFκB Signaling Pathways in the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Modulation of Aquaglyceroporin Expression in 3T3-L1 Cells Differentiated into Adipocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17101742. [PMID: 27763558 PMCID: PMC5085770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17101742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins, belonging to the family of aquaporins (AQPs), are integral plasma membrane proteins permeable to water and glycerol that have emerged as key players in obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of AQPs in undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and to investigate the changes in expression of aquaglyceroporins in 3T3-L1 cells differentiated into adipocytes and subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mimicking inflammation occurring during obesity. Furthermore, the study aimed at identifying the signaling cascade involved in the regulation of aquaglyceroporins expression upon LPS stimulation. 3T3-L1 cells were grown as undifferentiated cells (UDC; preadipocytes) or cells differentiated into adipocytes (DC, adipocytes). DC were incubated in the presence or absence of LPS with or without inhibitors of various protein kinases. AQPs mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP9 and AQP11 mRNA were expressed in both UDC and DC, whereas AQP4, AQP7 and AQP8 mRNA were expressed only in DC. In DC, LPS up-regulated AQP3 mRNA levels (p < 0.05) compared to control; these effects were inhibited by CLI095, SP600125 and BAY11-7082 (p < 0.05). LPS decreased both AQP7 and AQP11 mRNA levels (p < 0.01) in DC as compared to control; this decrease was inhibited by CLI095 and BAY11-7082 (p < 0.05) and additionally by SP00125 for AQP7 (p < 0.05). SB203580 had no effect on LPS-induced AQP3, AQP7 and AQP11 mRNA levels modulations. In conclusion, our results clearly show that many AQPs are expressed in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, in DCs, LPS led to decreased AQP7 and AQP11 mRNA levels but to increased AQP3 mRNA levels, resulting from the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced activation of JNK and/or NFκB pathway.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the discovery of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) as a water channel, more than 2,000 articles, reviews and chapters have been published. The wide tissue expression, functional and biological roles have documented the major and essential physiological importance of these channels both in health and disease. Thus, over the years, studies have revealed essential importance of aquaporins in mammalian pathophysiology revealing aquaporins as potential drug targets. Areas covered: Starting from a brief description of the main structural and functional features of aquaporins, their roles in physiology and pathophysiology of different human diseases, this review describes the main classes of small molecules and biologicals patented, published from 2010 to 2015, able to regulate AQPs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Expert opinion: Several patents report on AQP modulators, mostly inhibitors, and related pharmaceutical formulations, to be used for treatments of water imbalance disorders, such as edema. Noteworthy, a unique class of gold-based compounds as selective inhibitors of aquaglyceroporin isoforms may provide new chemical tools for therapeutic applications, especially in cancer. AQP4-targeted therapies for neuromyelitis optica, enhancement of AQP2 function for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and AQP1-5 gene transfer for the Sjogren's syndrome represent promising therapies that deserve further investigation by clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Soveral
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Angela Casini
- b School of Chemistry , Cardiff University , Cardiff , UK
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29
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The inhibition of glycerol permeation through aquaglyceroporin-3 induced by mercury(II): A molecular dynamics study. J Inorg Biochem 2016; 160:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Madeira A, Moura TF, Soveral G. Detecting Aquaporin Function and Regulation. Front Chem 2016; 4:3. [PMID: 26870725 PMCID: PMC4734071 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Water is the major component of cells and tissues throughout all forms of life. Fluxes of water and solutes through cell membranes and epithelia are essential for osmoregulation and energy homeostasis. Aquaporins are membrane channels expressed in almost every organism and involved in the bidirectional transfer of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Aquaporins have important biological roles and have been implicated in several pathophysiological conditions suggesting a great translational potential in aquaporin-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Detecting aquaporin function is critical for assessing regulation and screening for new activity modulators that can prompt the development of efficient medicines. Appropriate methods for functional analysis comprising suitable cell models and techniques to accurately evaluate water and solute membrane permeability are essential to validate aquaporin function and assess short-term regulation. The present review describes established assays commonly used to assess aquaporin function in cells and tissues, as well as the experimental biophysical strategies required to reveal functional regulation and identify modulators, the first step for aquaporin drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Madeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa F Moura
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de LisboaLisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de LisboaCaparica, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de LisboaLisboa, Portugal; Departamento Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de LisboaLisboa, Portugal
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de Almeida A, Martins AP, Mósca AF, Wijma HJ, Prista C, Soveral G, Casini A. Exploring the gating mechanisms of aquaporin-3: new clues for the design of inhibitors? MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:1564-73. [DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00013d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pH gating of human AQP3 and its effects on both water and glycerol permeabilities have been fully characterized for the first time using a human red blood cell model (hRBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- A. de Almeida
- Dept. of Pharmacokinetics
- Toxicology and Targeting
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
| | - A. P. Martins
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 1649-003 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - A. F. Mósca
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 1649-003 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - H. J. Wijma
- Department of Biochemistry
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute
- University of Groningen
- 9747 AG Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - C. Prista
- Research Center “Linking Landscape
- Environment
- Agriculture and Food” (LEAF)
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia
- Universidade de Lisboa
| | - G. Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 1649-003 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - A. Casini
- Dept. of Pharmacokinetics
- Toxicology and Targeting
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen
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Beitz E, Golldack A, Rothert M, von Bülow J. Challenges and achievements in the therapeutic modulation of aquaporin functionality. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 155:22-35. [PMID: 26277280 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) water and solute channels have basic physiological functions throughout the human body. AQP-facilitated water permeability across cell membranes is required for rapid reabsorption of water from pre-urine in the kidneys and for sustained near isosmolar water fluxes e.g. in the brain, eyes, inner ear, and lungs. Cellular water permeability is further connected to cell motility. AQPs of the aquaglyceroporin subfamily are necessary for lipid degradation in adipocytes and glycerol uptake into the liver, as well as for skin moistening. Modulation of AQP function is desirable in several pathophysiological situations, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, Sjögren's syndrome, Menière's disease, heart failure, or tumors to name a few. Attempts to design or to find effective small molecule AQP inhibitors have yielded only a few hits. Challenges reside in the high copy number of AQP proteins in the cell membranes, and spatial restrictions in the protein structure. This review gives an overview on selected physiological and pathophysiological conditions in which modulation of AQP functions appears beneficial and discusses first achievements in the search of drug-like AQP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Beitz
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kiel, Germany.
| | - André Golldack
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Monja Rothert
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Julia von Bülow
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kiel, Germany
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Madeira A, Moura TF, Soveral G. Aquaglyceroporins: implications in adipose biology and obesity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:759-71. [PMID: 25359234 PMCID: PMC11113391 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane water/glycerol channels that are involved in many physiological processes. Their primary function is to facilitate the bidirectional transfer of water and small solutes across biological membranes in response to osmotic gradients. Aquaglyceroporins, a subset of the AQP family, are the only mammalian proteins with the ability to permeate glycerol. For a long time, AQP7 has been the only aquaglyceroporin associated with the adipose tissue, which is the major source of circulating glycerol in response to the energy demand. AQP7 dysregulation was positively correlated with obesity onset and adipocyte glycerol permeation through AQP7 was appointed as a novel regulator of adipocyte metabolism and whole-body fat mass. Recently, AQP3, AQP9, AQP10 and AQP11 were additionally identified in human adipocytes and proposed as additional glycerol pathways in these cells. This review contextualizes the importance of aquaglyceroporins in adipose tissue biology and highlights aquaglyceroporins' unique structural features which are relevant for the design of effective therapeutic compounds. We also refer to the latest advances in the identification and characterization of novel aquaporin isoforms in adipose tissue. Finally, considerations on the actual progress of aquaporin research and its implications on obesity therapy are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Madeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa F. Moura
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- FCT-UNL, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, 1649-003 Portugal
- Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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de Almeida A, Soveral G, Casini A. Gold compounds as aquaporin inhibitors: new opportunities for therapy and imaging. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00265b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A review on the development of gold-based compounds as aquaglyceroporin inhibitors with potential as therapeutic agents or as chemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia de Almeida
- Dept. of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting
- Research Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Graça Soveral
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade de Lisboa Av. Prof Gama Pinto
- 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Angela Casini
- Dept. of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting
- Research Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Groningen
- 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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